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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-01-04; Senior Commission; MinutesMINUTES Meeting of: SENIOR COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 1:15 p.m. Date of Meeting: January 4, 1990 Place of Meeting: Carlsbad Senior Center y\\\ COMMISSIONERS CALL To ORDER: Chairman Van called the Meeting to order at 1:15 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Chairman Van, Commissioners Heard, Maggio, Savary and Ritchie. Absent: None. Staff Present: Sue Spickard, Senior Coordinator MATTERS FROM TEE PUBLIC: Dr. David Castner, 1550 Sunrise Circle, addressed the Commission, requesting a committee be appointed to accurately record the history of the seniors in Carlsbad. He said this should be done consulting the people who were active in the early days of the Carlsbad Senior Citizens Association. Dr. Castner stated this became apparent at the Dedication, December 7, 1989, when Commissioner Ritchie commented that this building was the culmination of the five-year plan supplied by Jim Smith and members of that Board of Directors. They did have plans for the Senior Center--but not this one. This was the old Center on Harding Street, and the records will show this. Dr. Castner said that Board noted to accept money from the California Senior Bond Act to install an elaborate kitchen in the Harding Street facility, and one of the conditions was that the seniors would have to stay there another ten years. Because of that stipulation, the newly installed Board of Directors rejected that money and paid off the architect. friends, including Jim Smith, appeared before the September 1985 Board Meeting and tried to get them to reverse the decision to reject the money, and to put in the kitchen. (Although they would be stuck there another ten years.) Dr. Castner said that he wanted to set the records straight, and give the credit to the Council and the School Board. He told of the work Mayor Lewis and Mayor Pro-Tern Kulchin had done, and also of the work Council Member Mamaux had done, on behalf of the School Board and Council. Mary Casler and some of her Dr. Castner reiterated the request for a committee of volunteers to be formed to get the information and facts as they exist. Chairman Van stated there is a need for a Historian and this matter will be on the Agenda at the next Commission meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the Meeting held November 2, 1989, were approved as presented. Van Heard Maggio savary Ritchie \ , MINUTES ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Commissioner Heard was re-elected as Vice-chairman. Chairman Van was re-elected Chairman at the last Commission Meeting. APPOINTMENT OF SCRIBE: Sue Spickard clarified the duties of the Scribe, explaining that motions and the votes are recorded, as the Scribe Report contains action items only. Commissioner Savary volunteered to be the Scribe for 1990. ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS: Sue Spickard explained that Home Savings of America wanted to buy a piece of equipment for the Senior Center; such as a piano. They have purchased a used piano at a local antique store, and there is a man who works at the bank who refurbishes them. The tuning of the piano is also included. Me. Spickard reported that the amount shown, $15,122, for the Fieldstone "Community Challenge", is in addition to the previous donations. There will also be more donations shown next month. The challenge has been met and passed. Chairman Van added that this will be a 24 or 25-passenger bus. The Senior Commission accepted the donations of $610 from the Home Savings of America and $15,122 for the Fieldstone "Community Challenge. Thanks were expressed by Commissioner Ritchie and by Ms. Spickard for all the contributions, and Me. Spickard added that most of the contributions came from the seniors themselves, showing that they are willing to commit to the program. She said the seniors deserve a round of applause. SENIOR CENTER REVIEW. Sue Spickard asked the Commissioners for comments on the opening and wanted to discuss the ongoing utilization of the Senior Center facility. She said that there was a commitment to the community that this facility would be available for rental by groups, and she has had several requests for use of the facility. Me. Spickard stated that her direction had been that the Center was for the use of seniors between the hours of 8:OO a.m. to 5:OO p.m., Monday through Friday. If someone wanted to hold an event here that was not meant for seniors, that could come before the Commission for permission. The consensus of the Commission was that Ms. Spickard and her staff were handling the use of the building very well, and all commended her, with Chairman Van stating that was a formal commendation by the Commission. Van Heard Maggio Savary Ritchie \ \ MINUTES January 4, 1990 Page 3 COMMISSIONERS ’ SENIOR CENTER REVIEW: (Continued) Ms. Spickard asked the Commission if there was anything that needed attention, other than the heating, and in answer to query regarding the P.A. system, she replied that it will be replaced. Ms. Spickard said that she had a request today from a City department that wanted to hold a public hearing here at the Center at 3:QQ p.m. in the afternoon. She told them that the Senior Facility is for seniors from 8:QQ a.m. to 5:OQ p.m., and is getting full with new activities being planned for the seniors. Ms. Spickard said she knew the facility was to be shared with the City, and they are the next consideration after the seniors. The consensus of the Commission was that on a one-time basis, permission could be given for a special use, but that staff was to make the decision, unless it was a very special request that needed to come before the Commission. VOLUNTEER HOLIDAY PARTY. Chairman Van read a letter expressing appreciation for the volunteer party. Ms. Spickard said that last year the date was set in January for the December party, and she would like direction from the Commission as to their desires for the 1990 party. Commissioner Heard suggested perhaps holding the party near Thanksgiving would be less stressful for staff than at the busy Christmas time. The other Commissioners all concurred this was a good idea. Me. Spickard suggested putting this on the next agenda and talking with the volunteers before the next meeting and getting input and opinions from as many seniors as possible. Comments from the audience were that the Thanksgiving suggestion was a good idea and another senior said that with a dinner, when the dinner was over, the party was more or less over. Chairman Van stated this item would be placed on the next agenda for discussion, and in the meantime, all Commissioners should discuss this with as many volunteers as possible, and bring suggestions for the time, type, etc. The suggestion was to have a dance and buffet. FLAGS. Chairman Van stated this had been his suggestion, and at this time work would have to start over. He felt that perhaps the idea should be dropped at this time. The Hoskin family would be contacted to ascertain their preference for the remainder of the funds in the Memorial Fund. \ MINUTES ,- January 4, 1990 Page 4 p COMMISSIONERS The Senior Commission voted to table the suggestion for a City Flag at this time. PLAOUES. Commissioner Ritchie stated she preferred to have an Honor Book done in script with each sheet between plastic to preserve it. She preferred no plaques in the Center. Commissioners Heard, Maggio and Savary concurred with this suggest ion. In answer to query regarding how donations are acknowledged, Ms. Spickard stated that it depends on the size of the donation. She said that any gift receives a "thank-you" letter from her and is accepted by the Senior Commission. Any donation under $500 is accepted by the City Manager and a "thank you" letter is sent. Any donation over $SO0 has a letter from Ms. Spickard, is accepted by the Commission and must go before the City Council. The Senior Commission voted to use a permanent record in book form to acknowledge donations to the Center, and this book is to be displayed at the Center. MINI BUS. Sue Spickard said she had talked with the fleet maintenance about the bus and will have a meeting at the end of this month to discuss the specific vehicle. Me. Spickard asked the Commission about specific features of the bus; for example, will it have a lift? She added that the present vehicle does have a lift and that is scheduled for replacement. When vehicles are replaced by the City, it is "like for like"--which means that the replacement, in 1991 or 92, will have a lift. When you put a lift in a vehicle, you lose from two to four seats. Staff is planning to keep the old vehicle alive and use it as a backup vehicle or for smaller routes. The lift is only used once or twice a month. The consensus of the Commission was that only one vehicle was needed with a lift. The comment was made that a two-way radio was a necessity, and all Commissioners agreed. The suggestion was made to have small signs made for the windows stating this was a Senior BUS, and not have any signs painted on the van itself. use the bus for other purposes. This way the City could -8. Sue Spickard introduced this item, and Commissioner Heard continued the report, referring to his report distributed to the Commissioners describing the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance in Carlsbad. His suggestion was to expand the service at the Senior Center, since the Library would not be offering assistance this year. Van Heard Maggio Savary Ritchie Van Heard Maggio Savary Ritchie \ MINUTES .- January 4, 1990 Page 5 COMMISSIONERS \ Chairman Van inquired whether this program could be done in the dining room and in the afternoon. This would cause no conflict with any programs or the use of any of the rooms. This would provide service to more people. Commissioner Heard said the tax service would be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:OO a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the dining room would be used for tax assistance on the other afternoons. The Senior Commission agreed to assist Commissioner Heard with the volunteer tax assistance program in Carlsbad by providing the necessary facilities for all citizens. ART SELECTION. Sue Spickard reported that several people have offered to donate pieces of art to the Senior Center, and the one piece in the lounge was accepted. She said she had asked the citizens to wait until there was a system for accepting or rejecting such art. Commissioner Ritchie said that the rotating art display in the gallery was all that should be on display. She felt that any art for the public rooms should be very carefully selected, and suggested this might be done by the Arts Commission. Commission discussion determined that the consensus of the Commission was that the plants and decorations were chosen very carefully, and it was felt that other art pieces could possibly detract from the building. The Senior Commission voted to not accept any private donations of art pieces for the Senior Center. The rotating art display would be limited to the gallery portion of the building, and the arts and crafts classes may hang their art in their room. Otherwise, there is to be no art in the building at this time. SIWIOR COORDINATOR'S REPORT: Sue Spickard reported that she and her staff are very busy trying to find everything. The programs are operating very well and the seniors are adjusting to the new building. The heat for the building is a problem and there have been some electrical problems. They are trying to hire some part- time facility people. At the present time, the fees for Stagecoach and Calavera are being charged for this facility, with a study being made to determine the proper fees, as this is not the same as a park. The fees will be set accordingly, and will be brought before this Commission and the City Council for approval. Ms. Spickard said the 1990-91 budget is being prepared. There will be a financial group to do quarterly training sessions for the seniors here at the Center, with the first one in February. The 55 Alive class is full, and there will be another class in February. There is a new bridge group, home-style bridge, in addition to the Wednesday group. There will also be a new knitting class, trips and a Valentine's Day dance. Ma. Spickard added that her goal is to have every room full all the time. She said that "drop-in" time is 8:30 a.m., and the groups must be finished by 4:30 p.m. van Heard Maggio Savary Ritchie Van Heard Maggio Savary Ritchie MINUTES January 4, 1990 Page 6 \\\\ % COMMISSIONERS Y Commissioner Ritchie inquired about the graffiti problem, and Ma. Spickard reported there had been none, with the exception of the outside of the wall. Chairman Van said that the suggestion had been made to designate the parking lots, to eliminate seniors using the School District parking lot. Ms. Spickard said a sign has been ordered showing arrows for the School District and the Senior Center. Chairman Van said that the two “thank-you” cards that were designed by an artist here at the Center, were signed and the one for the City Council was presented to them. The one for the School District will be presented to them by Chairman Van. ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA. Commissioners were reminded to call Sue Spickard with any items for the Agenda. ADJO-: By proper motion, the Meeting of January 4, 1990, was adjourned at 2:46 p.m. Rypectfully submitted, 1 .--- y-b A+ - JLpj. k Harriett Babbitt Minutes Clerk \ January 19, 1990 ,- TO: MAYOR LEWIS MAYOR PRO TEM KULCHIN COUNCILMEMBER LARSON COUNCILMEMBER MAMAUX COUNCILMEMBER PETTINE FROM : Senior Commission SUMMARY REPORT OF JANUARY 4, 1990, COMMISSION MEETING 1. Election of Officers Commissioner George Heard was electedto serve another year as Vice Chairperson of the Commission. 2. AcceDtance of Donations The Commission voted unanimously to accept $610 from Home Savings for the purchase of a piano, and $15,122 from various donors towards the Fieldstone ffCommunity Challenge. If 3. plaaues The Commission voted unanimously to acknowledge all donors through a book to be displayed at the Center rather than plaques. 4. Art Selection The Commission voted that art to be displayed in the Center should be on a rotating basis, coordinated with the Carlsbad Art League, and only displayed in the hallways. C: City Manager Assistant City Manager Parks 61 Recreation Director Department Heads